Flowing device for oil wells



Oct 9 1923. L47,053

A. BOYNTON FLOWING DEVICE FOR OIL WELLS Filed Nov. e, 1922 4 sheets-sheet 1 /1 TTOHIVEVS ci.. 9 l, 1923. l 394%@53 A. BOYNTON FLOWING DEVICE FOR OIL WELLS Filed Nov. 8, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 30 :lunV

' INVENTOR.

" ATToRNEYr` A. BOYNTON Y V.

FLowING DEVICE FOR OIL WELLS Filed Nov. 8. 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 116 Eg fzfl y v zal l 220 l .2.2 A' 11 N g N 712 E 07.

INI/ENTOR.

A TTORNEY' Patented Oct. 9, 1923-.

UNITED STATES yParleur 'ori-ica ALEXANDER BOYNTON, F SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

rLowINo DEVICE ron orL WELLS.

Application 'led November 8, 1922. Serial No. 599,695. L

vices for Oil Wells, of which the following is a specification.

This invention'relates to iiowing devices l0 especially adapted for use in oil wells.

Briefly stated an important object of this invention is to provide-a ilowing device by means of which the well is caused to fiow by heads and wherein the pressure of the gas is utilized as a means to facilitate the ilow of oil.

A further object is to rovide a flowing device which may be readill;r ladjusted for use under a variety of conditions.

A further object is to provide a flowing device for oil wells which is of' highly simpliied construction, elicient in use and cheap to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the inven- 25 tion will' be apparent during the courseof the following description. l

In the accompanying drawing, formin a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like 3u parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is an elevation of the improved flowing device in use.

Figure 2 is a group perspective of the same, 1,5 Figure 3 is a side elevation of the improved flowing device detached.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view through the device.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view 50 taken on line 5 5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a side elevation illustrating a modiied form Vof invention. I

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view through the same, .i5 Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a further modification of the invention.

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view through the device illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective of a movable valve illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 13 is a perspective of a valve illustrated in Figure 10.

' In the drawing the numeral 5 designates Y a string of tubing arrangedv a's illustrated in Figure 1 'within .the casing 6 and the lower portion of the string of tubing has connection with the improved flowing device by means of which the oil is caused to flow by heads.

In carrying out the invention the lowerend of the string of tubing 5 is threaded into the upper end of a. tubular body 10 and theupper end of the string of\ tubing j has connection with a discharge pipe 11 which communicates with the -usual tank 12. Figure 1 illustrates that the upper por'- tion of the tubing 5 is provided with a valve l2 which may be released for permittingthe accumulated gas and oil to be discharged into the tank at the proper intervals. The improved flowing device consists of the body 10, the lower end of which is .interiorly screw threaded as indicated at 13 for the` i reception of a supporting pipe 14 which extends to the bottom of the well and there.

pipe 14 immediately' beneath the flow device is formed with a plurality of perforations or inlet openings 16 through which the oil passes. Should the string of tubing become parted intermediate its ends the supporting pil, 14 will prevent it from dropplng 1n the we Figures 2 and 4 illustrate that the intermediate portion of the tubular body 10 is formed with an annular valve seat 20 'with which an oil retaining valve 21 is associated and the said valve 21 is mounted on a stem 22 movable longitudinally through the tubular body. l

The stem 22 is s lidable through and is guided b f a depending tubularguide 24 supporte by means of radial wings 25 andl of which is to normally hold the valve in its seated osition. spring-2 contacts with one end of Ythe guide 24 and the other'end'of the spring contacts with the flange 29 of a nut 30 threaded o-n the stem. It might be stated that the nut 30 is held in a set sition by meansv of a jam nut 32 also hel on the stem by means of threads. In practice the coiled spring is tensioned so that the oil retaining valve 21 will resist 100 lbs. or more to the square inch and'consequently the pressureof the oil beneath the valve cannot unseat the same.

The stem 22 is formed above the oil retaining valve 21 with a second valve 36 which might be said to be a flow valve and this ow valve is associated with an annular upstanding seat 37. However, it is important to note that the `fiow valve 36 is not seated on the seat 37 but is spaced from four to ten thousandths of an inch so as to equalize the gas pressure on both sides of Y the saine for a purpose to be hereinafter specified. The flow valve 36 is held in position by a nut 40 having radial wings 41 by means of which the nut may be turned and the wings 41 also serve as a guide to direct the vertical moveiiient of the stem. The bore of' the body 10 between the annular valve seatv 37 and the upper screw threads is of a uniform diameter and consequently the radial wings will not bind, when moved vertically.

:Attention is directed lto Figure 1 wherein it villustrates that a separator pipe 50 is threaded onto the intermediate` portion of the 'body and is spaced from the tubing 5. The separator ipe extends for two or three hundredfeet :ib is open at the top thereby forming a partition or separator between the oil and the gas as the sameare produced by the well. That is to say the gas being li hter than the oil will rise to the upper en of the separator pipe 50 and when the upper portion of the casing is filled the gas will move downwardly in the separator pipe.

The oil produced by the well does not rise -to the open upper end of the separator pipe and consequently cannot enter the flowing device by way of the separator pipe and in any way interfere with the operation of the device.

'The gas produced by the well is temporarily confinedV within the casing by means of: the 'casing head 51-and the valve 12 and consequently the gas vwhich enters the sepaisa-tor pipe moves downwardly on the outside of' the tubing and enters the tubular body by way of a lurality of gas inlet openings or orts 53. e gas which enters the body 1 0; yway ofthe ports 53 enters the tubing 5,115 the valve 36 is maintained in-its unseated position.

However at the proper time the valve 12 One end of the coiled' ove the flowing device and the ports 53. This causes the liquid to pass i upwardly through thel tubing and into the tank and the mixture of the gas and oil forms an additional gas which greatly facilitats the dis-charge of the products of the we In summarizing it might be stated that the improved flowing device is intended to inake small oil wells flow by heads, the flowing intervals being regulated to best suit each particular well by means of anl automatic gas release valve at or near the casing head. In practice the flowing device is placed near the bottom of the well below the top of the last producing sand and the' supporting pipe 14 will space the oil inlet openings 16 from the mud and sediment in the bottoni of the well.

As the well produces oil and gas the oil rises on the outside of the artition or separa tor pipe and as previous y stated the gas will enter the separator pipe 50 and then enter the string of tubing 5 so that when the valve 12 is operated the stein 22 will be elevated whereupon the ini'ushing gas will vaporize the oil entering the chamber 50.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8 the body is designated by the numeral 70 and has its upper end interiorly screw threaded for the reception of a bushing 71 by means of which the fibwing device may be connected to the tubing. The lower portion of the body may be interiorlv or exteriorly screw threaded as indicated at 73 for engagement with the supporting pipe-74. That portion of the supporting pipe 74 immediately beneath the body is provided with a suitable number of openings 75 through which the oil may -enter and as previously stated the openings in the pipe -are a substantial distance above the bottom of the well' so that mud and sediment cannot enter the flowing device and interfere with the operation of the same.

Figure 7 illustrates that-the flowing device is formed with aninwardly directed projection constituting lan annular shoulder or -valve seat 7 6 with whichfa-n oil -retainvention the dow valve -80 is threaded on the stem and is held in a set osition by means of a nut 84 also threa ed on the stem. It will be observed that the seat 76 and the valve 77 prevent the liow valve 80 from seating on, the portion 81 and consequently the gas pressure .on both sides of the tlow valve is substantiall the same.

The flow valve 80 is forme with a guide sleeve 83 which slidably receives a depending lug or prejection 84 formed on the bushing 71 and the said sleeve is formed with a suitable number Aof openings 85. The sleeve 83 not only serves as a guide for the valve but also forms an enclosure for a coiled spring 86 which urges the valve 77 into engagement with the seat 76. 7 illustrates that the upper portion of the coiled spring 86 is engaged by a follower 87 which in turn is held in a set position by set screws 88 threaded through the bushing. By an adjustment of the set screws 88 the tension of the coiled spring may be varied.

is rovided with an .atomizin chamber 90 an with an annular series o? openings 91 which permit the gas within the separator pipe to enter the body and the tubin At the proper moment the outlet va ve is opened and the -gas under pressure willl flow into the a-tomizlng or vaporizing chamber 90 and elevate the iow valve 80 whereupon the oil retaining valve 77 will be unseated. This permits oil to enter the vaporizing chamber 90 and mix with the inrushing gas. IThis forms additional gas which flows yup through the body and through inclined openings 93 into the tubing and then into the tank. The stem 79 is not only guided by the sleeve -83 but by a plurality of radial wings 96 formed beneath the valve 77 and the wings contact with the side walls of the valve seat 76. However, the wings 96 do not interfere with the free movement of the oil into the vaporizing chamber 90.

'in the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 9, and 11 the body is designated by the numeral 100 and has its upper portion threaded for connection with a bushing 101and the bushing is in turn connected to the tubing which extends through the casing. The lower portion of the body isin turn connected to a supporting pipe 103 which supports the flowing device a 'suitable distance above the bottom of the well. Oil inlet openings 104 are provided beneath the How device and admit oil to the ow device. The valve stem is designsted by the numeral 106 and is formed with guide wings 107 and Va reducedfportion 108 by means o which the valve is properly guided. Figure 10 illustrates that the wings 107 are movable through `an inwardly extending 'annular projection 109 while the reduced stem '108 is movable Figurel In this form of the invention the bodyV through a centrally arranged opening 110 in the bushing 101.

In carrying out this form of the invenn tionA the valve 112 contacts with the seat 109 and thereby normall prevents the oil from flowing into the bo y. The valve 112 and the seat 109 maintain the flow valve 114 of its seat 115 and consequently the pressure of gas on both sides of the flow valve is the same.

The separator pipe or string is connected to the bodyT as indicated at 116 and extends a distance of two or three hundred feet and is open at its upper end for the reception of gas. The gas which enters the separator pipe 118 passes through radial openings 119 in the wall of the vaporizing chamber 120 and the oil which enters the vaporizing chamber passes upwardly beyond the flow valve 114 and through diagonal nozzles 122 in the bushing 101. Attention is directed to the fact that the nozzle 122 forms an effective means for atomizing the oil. This is an important feature of the invention.

In the operation of this form of the in`- vention the opening of the valve in the top of the tubing permits the gas to rush in through the openings 119 and contact with the recessed under side of the flow valve 114 for elevating the valve 112. The simultaneous movement of the oil'and gas through the vaporizing chamber 120 mixes the oil and gas with a result that additional gas is created, all of which contributes to the movement of the products of the well through the tubing.

However, the valve 112 is normally held in its seated 'position by means of a coiled spring 130 confined between a nut 132 and the under side of the bushing 101.

The improved owing device will make any small oil well flow by heads, which is accomplished by keeping the oil and gas separate as the same are produced in the well until such time as the accumulated gas has developed enough pressure and volume to atomize the oil and blow it out of the well, when this gas is released at proper intervals by means of an automatic valve control at or near the casing head of the well. In this invention itis essential that the oil and gas be kept separate until such time as it is desired that the well flow, whereupon the gas is admitted through the inlet openings in the main body. The rush of gas in large volume raises the flow valve, which in turn raises the oil valve. The oil and gas thus meet under high pressure in the atomizing chamber below the flow valve. To the large volume of gas' is thus added the impact of the oilpassing upward through the atomizing chamber' and striking the flow valve.

Cil when atomized 'creates gas in great quantiti'es which augments the lio'w of gas from the gas chamber and tends to keep the liow valve open. The spring tension which seats the oil valve is so adjusted that the weight of the oil willbe resisted by the spring and the oil valve kept seated until the automatic relief at casing head causes the well to flow. In other words, if the separator string is 300 feetl long, the tension of the spring will be so adjusted as to resist the Weight of the column of oil slightly more thar 300 feet high. In this manner there is no anger of the oil accumulating on the outside of vthe separator string or section and flooding the gas chamber by flowing over the top of the separator string. If such flooding Should happen the device would fail to work be` cause a solid column of oil would have to be raised by the gas whenever the gas relief valve at the casing head is open. Experience has shown that this can not be done, except in strong gas wells which would ordinarily flow without this device. The purpose of this device is accomplished by retaining the gas and releasing itunder high pressure at intervals, and using it to atomize the oil which thus lightens the column to be lifted, and enables the well to throw out the mixed column of oil and gas, whereas the well unaided by this device would be unable to throw out the solid column of oil. Without the aid of this device lthe well is constantly wasting its gas which bubbles up through the oil and escapes at the casing head. With the aid of this device the gas is conserved until such time as it develops enough power to accomplish the task of lifting the oil out of the well, which task is made easy by mixing the oil with the gas,

, and atomizing all the oil at the same time,

so as to create additional gas. This additional gas and lightened atomized column makes it easy for the accumulated gas to blow the oil from the well at proper intervals. The release valve at the casing head must be so set that the Well will How before itI will produce enough oil to flood the flowing device as stated above. This is determined by tests of each well before installing device.'-v

It costs at least $1000.00 to equip small wells to pump their production. This device together with the automatic gas relief at the casing head can be installed for about one-tenth of the cost of the usual pumping equipment.

The foregoing illustrates that the inventive idea involved in this application is capable of a wide variety of mechanical expressions and it is therefore understood that the several forms of the invention herewith shown and described are merely to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that such minor changes in arrangement and construction of parts may be made as will remain within the spirit of the invention and the scope of what 1s claimed.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim 1s 1. The combination of a casing, a tubing extending through the casing, and a separator pipe connected to the tubing and having communication with the same and the casing.

2. The combination of' a casing, a tubing extending through Athe casing, a sep-arator pipe connected to the tubing and having communication with the same and the casing, and a gas actuated oil retaining valve arranged at the lower portion of said separator pipe. i

3. The combination of a casing having its upper end closed, a' tubing extending through the casing, a control valve arranged at the upper portion of the tubing, and an oil and gas separator'pipe surrounding the tubing and having communication therewith and with the casing.

4. The combination of a casing having its upper end closed, a tubing extending through the casing, a control valve arranged at the upper portion of the tubing, an oil and gas separator pipe surrounding the tubin and having communication therewith and with 'the casing, and a gas actuated oil retaining valve arranged at the lower portion of said separator pipe.

5. A flowing device for wells comprising a body having means whereby the same may be connected to a string of tubing, a stem movable through the body and having an oil retaining valve, said body being formed with a seat engaged by said valve, a ilow valve connected to said stein, and a guiding device for said flow valve.

6. A flowing device comprising a body adapted for connection with a string of tubing and having a vaporizing chamber and a plurality of openings communicating with the vaporizing chamber, a valve arranged at the lower end of said vaporizing chamber and adapted for retaining the oil beneath the chamber, a flow valve rigidly connected to said first named valve and adapted for operating the same.

7. A flowing device comprising a body adapted for connection with a `string of tubing and having a vaporizing chamber and a plurality of openings communicating with the vaporizing chamber, a valve arranged at the lowerend ofsaid vaporizing chamber, and adapted for retaining the oil beneath the chamber, a ilow valve rigidly connected to said first named valvev and adapted for operating the same, and spring means normally seating the first 'named valve.

8. A flow device comp-rising a body adapted for connection with a string of tubing and having a vaporizing chamber and a plurality of openings communicating with the vaporizing chamber, a valve arranged at vthe lower end of said vaporizing chamber and adapted for retaining the oil beneath the chamber, a flow valve rigidly connected to said first named valve and adapted for operatinglthe same, spring means normally seating t e first named valve, and a separator pipe connected to said body and terminating a substantial distance above the same.

9. The construction set forth in claim 8, and means whereby the tension of said spring means may be varied.-

l0. The construction set forth in claim 8, said ow valve having its under side formed with a recess.

11. A flow device for wells comprising a body adapted to be interposed in a string of tubing and having a vaporizing chamber and openin communicating with the vaporizing c amber, a valve stem movable through the chamber and having its lower portion formed with a valve, said body being formed with a valve seat engaged by said valve, spring means normali holding the valve in its seated position, a ow valve connected to said stem and arranged at one end of said vaporizing chamber, and a bushing threaded into said body and having openings communicating with said Vaporizing chamber.

12. The construction set forth in claim 11, and a separator pipe connected to said body and communicating with said vaporizing chamber. l

13. A flowA device comprisin a body adapted for connectionwith a string of tubing and having a vaporizing chamber, the opposite ends of said chamber being formed with valve seats, oil retaining and flow` valives adapted for engagingsaid'seats, said oil retaining valve constituting a means to maintain the flow valve in an unseated position, a stem connecting the valves, a guide sleeve connected to one of said valves, and a s ring engaging one of the valves and enc osed within said sleeve.

14. The construction set forth in claim 13, and a bushing threaded onto said bod and havin openings communicating with, said vaporizing chamber.

15. The construction set forth in claim 14, and a separator pipe connected to said bod ALEXANDER BOYNTON.' 

